If you recently sustained a serious injury on the job and you find yourself unable to return to work, there is a very good chance that you are now seeking workers’ compensation benefits to help cover the cost of your injury until you recover and can return to work. Here in New Jersey, if you file your workers’ compensation claim and your employer or your company’s insurer rejects your initial claim, you may file a Claim Petition or an Application for an Informal Hearing with the Division of Workers’ Compensation. When this happens, a judge will be appointed to determine whether you qualify for benefits. Continue reading and contact AllianceMeds to learn more. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What is an informal workers’ compensation claim?
An informal workers’ compensation claim is when an injured employee files an application for an informal hearing in front of a judge of compensation. The purpose of doing so is to potentially avoid the litigation process. Some issues that may qualify for an informal claim include medical treatment or temporary benefits. In most cases, informal claims are settled within the first or second hearing.
What is a formal workers’ compensation claim?
A formal claim petition is generally higher-stakes than informal claims. If you’ve been injured, you may request a hearing for a formal claim that should be held within six months from the date of filing your petition. In many cases, these claims are resolved in a mutual agreement in the pretrial stage. However, if this does not happen, you may proceed with a trial. In your trial, parties can request testimonies from all sides. The decision the judge makes, in this case, is binding, meaning if you still don’t obtain the benefits you need, your only other option is to take your case to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court.
What is the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in New Jersey is, generally, two years, meaning that in most cases, you will only have two years from the date of your accident to file your claim. That being said, the sooner you file your claim, the better off you will be.
Contact AllianceMeds
If you have become the victim of an on-the-job injury, it may be beneficial to speak with an attorney and the doctor that is treating you to determine how to make the process as easy as possible. AllianceMeds understands that a workplace accident can be challenging and is here to help. We will deliver your medication to your door using overnight delivery and cover any out-of-pocket expenses that may arise. If you have any questions about how we can help, contact AllianceMeds today.